Kildare Town plans a Guinness World Record as it welcomes visitors from around the world 2013

Groups from Kildare Town came together last week at a momentum event in Teach Dara to support Solas Bhríde in planning a Guinness Book of Records event to set the world record for the most people making Brigid’s crosses together at the one time.

The attempt is planned for the final day of a week- long celebration of St. Brigid that runs from Sunday 15th September to Saturday 21st September. The event will see large numbers of visitors to Kildare Town to celebrate the story of Brigid, ranging from visitors / pilgrims from around the world to other tourists from other parts of Ireland and overseas.

In welcoming groups to the momentum event, Mary Keane of County Kildare LEADER Partnership explained that in addition to preparing for a very special Gathering event, the Partnership is actively supporting this project because of its practical application in developing an integrated tourism strategy for Kildare Town and surrounding communities for many future events and projects. Mary spoke of how “Brigid spread her cloak over the Curragh and empowered the local people all those centuries ago and through this event she will inspire another generation.”

Margaret Walsh, Mary Minehan, Rita Minehan and Phil O’Shea

Sr. Rita Minehan of Solas Bhríde shared details of the upcoming event including the need for large numbers of volunteers in steward, witness and other support roles: “the Guinness Book of Records requirements are very significant and we will need support from across the community to make this happen” noted Sr. Rita.

Peter Minnock, Director of Services with Kildare County Council together with Tony Jones, Fáilte Ireland, Derek Dolan, Kildare Fáilte and Tom McCutcheon, Kildare Heritage Centre were in attendance and each shared their support for the project and their expectation that it would be a tremendous Gathering flagship event for Kildare Town: “I know that if anyone can take on something as significant as this it is the Sisters” said Tony Jones addressing the group, “they have the charm and the foresight to make this happen”.

The event was also attended by representatives from other groups involved in supporting the Guinness world record event and in organising other events that week which will include a number of music and dance events, walks, pilgrimages, craft demonstrations and craft workshops, each linking to the legacy of St. Brigid.